Families of two Australians facing execution in Indonesia prepare to plead for their lives

Monday, February 09, 2015 - 00:58

Family members of two ''Bali Nine'' drug traffickers due to be executed this month arrive in Jakarta to plead for their lives. Rough cut (no reporter narration).

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Family members of two Australians convicted and sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Indonesia arrived in Jakarta Monday (February 9) hoping to make a plea for their loved ones' lives.
Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan were members of the so-called "Bali Nine" drug trafficking ring arrested in Bali for attempting to smuggle 8 kg (18 lbs) of heroin to Australia.
They will be executed this month, a government official had said on Friday (February 6), ignoring clemency pleas from their home country.
Sukumaran's mother Raji and brother Chintu along with Chan's mother Helen and brother Michael arrived at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday.
They are expected to meet officials at the National Commission on Human Rights and make a statement outside the presidential palace in the capital.
The two men are among eight prisoners due to be executed as President Joko Widodo pursues a hardline approach to drug offences, drawing criticism from rights activists at home and abroad.
Last month, Indonesia executed six prisoners by firing squad for drug offences, including five foreigners from Brazil, Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria and Vietnam.
Brazil and the Netherlands recalled their ambassadors in Indonesia, while Nigeria summoned Indonesia's ambassador in Abuja.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said last month she would not rule out recalling the country's envoy if the executions go ahead.

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